American Three Toed Woodpecker: Picoides dorsalis

While out on a hike we followed the sound of a woodpecker pecking in the forest fully expecting to find a Downy Head or Hairy. When we finally spotted the source of the pecking we were treated thrilled to find an American Three Toed Wooedepcker: Picoides dorsalis working away looking for a meal. Why this species evolved to have only three toes instead of the typical four seems to be a matter fro debate however the Cornell Lab of Ornithology suggest that thee toes may help deliver stronger blows with the beak while foraging.

frosting the morning

A nice morning treat and better than a frosted pop-tart. We recently were greeted by a morning by sunshine topped with a sprinkle of frost on landscape to start the day.

A Canada goose also welcomed the morning and warmth of the suns warming rays.

Frosty mornings are always a welcome reminder of the ephemeral nature of all living things and a wonderful way to begin the day. Happy Monday to all.

Sand and Sky

Going_up

Working our way up the ridges towards the sky in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Being in a landscape of essentially two elements felt oddly strange and yet serene. Simple yet complex. On first glance simple but with each probe further the simplicity and patterns repeat. Sky and Sand then sand and wind and so it goes. November, 2015.